The study of area is a branch of mathematics that deals with measuring the size of two-dimensional figures, such as squares, triangles, and circles. The concept of area has been studied for centuries, dating back to ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, Babylonians, and Greeks.
The ancient Egyptians used geometry to calculate land areas for tax purposes, while the Babylonians used a similar method to determine the area of a triangle. In ancient Greece, mathematicians such as Archimedes and Euclid made significant contributions to the study of area, including the development of formulas for calculating the areas of circles and triangles.
Over time, the study of area has evolved and become more complex, with new theories, formulas, and approaches to calculating the size of two-dimensional figures. Today, the study of area is an essential component of geometrical thinking and a fundamental part of mathematics education.
The Beginnings of Area Study
The study of area, or geography, has been around for centuries, with the earliest recorded attempts at area study dating back to Ancient Greece. In this time, Aristotle and Eratosthenes developed mathematical methods to calculate the size of areas and calculate distances between places. This development was instrumental in laying the foundations for the study of area and over the centuries, humans have continued to refine and improve the tools used to study area.
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Travel literature played a significant role in the early development of Area Studies, helping scholars gain cultural insight, historical context, and linguistic knowledge of the regions they were studying.
During the 19th and early 20th centuries, scholars like Richard Burton, Gertrude Bell, and Edward Said travelled extensively throughout Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, recording their experiences in travelogues, diaries, and memoirs.
These works served as valuable source material for scholars of Area Studies, providing rich descriptions of local customs, social structures, and political landscapes. They also helped to establish a foundation for the comparative and interdisciplinary approaches that are central to Area Studies today.
By incorporating travel literature into their research, early Area Studies scholars were able to develop a comprehensive understanding of the regions they were studying, which in turn paved the way for more nuanced and accurate analysis in the field.
Colonialism and the Rise of Area Studies
The rise of Area Studies in academic circles can be traced back to the period of colonialism in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. As colonial powers expanded their territories across the globe, they encountered new cultures, languages, and social systems that demanded in-depth study and analysis. Thus, the discipline of Area Studies emerged to address the gaps in knowledge and understanding of these unfamiliar regions.
In the United States, the rise of Area Studies was institutionalised with the passage of the National Defense Education Act in 1958, which allocated funding for the development of language and area-specific expertise. Today, Area Studies encompasses a broad range of disciplines, including anthropology, history, political science, language and literature, and art history, among others, and continues to evolve as a field of study.
The First Area Studies Programs in Higher Education
The first area studies program in higher education was established in the US after World War II, reflecting a growing interest in the study of global cultures and languages. Prior to this, university curricula tended to focus on European and classical studies. However, the emergence of new global political and economic realities led to a recognition of the need for a more diverse and specialised approach to education.
One of the first area studies programs to be established was the Russian Institute at Columbia University in 1946, which offered courses in Russian history, language, and culture. Other area studies programs quickly followed, including those focused on Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
Today, area studies programs continue to play an important role in higher education, preparing students to engage with diverse global perspectives and succeed in a wide range of fields.
The Development of Area Studies
The study of the area has been a major focus of research since the 19th century. The concept of area studies grew out of a need to understand the complexities of cultural, religious, and political life in a specific area of the world.
This article will look at how the study of the area has developed over time, as well as its current implications on political science and international studies.
The Cold War and Area Studies
The Cold War had a significant impact on the development of Area Studies, which emerged as an interdisciplinary field of study during this period to enhance the US’s foreign policy expertise.
During the Cold War, various US government agencies recognized the importance of understanding other countries and cultures to maintain strategic alliances and counter communist expansion. This led to the establishment of Area Studies programs at universities across the country, which aimed to provide a deep understanding of specific regions and languages.
Post-Cold War, Area Studies faced criticism for being too narrowly focused and limited in its interdisciplinary approach, which led to a shift towards broader programs such as International Studies and Global Studies.
However, Area Studies remains a crucial field in understanding different societies, cultures, and histories worldwide. Its interdisciplinary approach offers valuable insights into complex global issues and supports the study of diverse languages and regions, enabling a deeper understanding of the interconnected and interdependent world we live in.
The Growth of Interdisciplinary Area Studies Programs
Interdisciplinary area studies programs have grown exponentially over the past few decades, as academics and policymakers alike have recognized the need to understand complex global issues from multiple perspectives.
Area studies refers to the study of a specific geographic region, including its history, politics, culture, and economics. The development of area studies can be traced back to the Cold War era, where the US government created programs to study regions such as Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union.
Today, area studies programs have expanded to cover a wide range of regions, such as Latin America, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. These programs often incorporate interdisciplinary approaches, bringing together scholars from different disciplines to provide a holistic understanding of the region.
The growth of interdisciplinary area studies programs reflects the increasing interconnectedness of the world and the need to address global issues from a multidisciplinary perspective.
The Legacy of Area Studies in Contemporary Academia
Area studies emerged as an academic discipline in the early 20th century, to provide a multidisciplinary approach to the study of different regions, cultures, and languages. It aimed to go beyond the dominant Western-centric perspective and broaden the understanding of globalisation and cultural exchange.
Area studies has contributed significantly to contemporary academia and society by creating a space for the study of specific regions, languages, and cultures. It has fostered cross-cultural understanding, informed policymaking, and advanced knowledge about non-Western perspectives on global issues.
Despite facing criticism for its essentialist approach and political influence, area studies continue to evolve and adapt to the changing global landscape. The study of area remains an essential aspect of contemporary academia and provides unique insights into the cultural, social, and political contexts of different regions globally.
Critiques of Area Studies
Area studies have been an essential part of the academic field since the beginning of the twentieth century. This area of scholarly research has come under intense scrutiny in recent decades, with critiques questioning its validity as a field of study. These critiques focus on some core issues, such as relying on historical archives and the subjectivity of the researcher.
In this article, we will explore the various critiques of area studies and consider how they have impacted the course of this field of study.
Area Studies and Orientalism
Area studies is an academic field focusing on a specific geographical area or region and its complexities, including its history, politics, culture, society, and economy.
Orientalism, a critical framework developed by Edward Said, argues that area studies often perpetuate stereotypes and prejudices about non-Western societies by viewing them as static and exotic entities. Said also argues that area studies scholars often have political and ideological biases that shape their research agenda and findings.
The history of the study of the area is intertwined with colonialism, imperialism, and Cold War politics, as many area studies programs were established as a way to train experts and gather intelligence on foreign countries.
Despite its critiques, area studies remains an important field for understanding regional dynamics, promoting cross-cultural dialogue, and addressing global challenges.
The End of the Cold War and the Decline of Area Studies
The end of the Cold War marked a turning point for Area Studies, leading to a decline in its importance and relevance as a field of study. Critics have raised several concerns about the limitations of Area Studies and its failure to adapt to the changing global context.
The study of Area emerged in the mid-20th century as a way to understand the complex dynamics of non-Western societies and cultures. At the same time, it was criticized for perpetuating Eurocentric and Orientalist narratives and ignoring the diversity within regions.
After the Cold War, the focus of academic research shifted toward more interdisciplinary and global perspectives, and Area Studies struggled to maintain its relevance. Critics argued that its narrow focus and lack of engagement with broader theoretical frameworks made it unsuitable for understanding the complexities of a rapidly changing world.
Nonetheless, Area Studies continues to be an important field of study that provides a nuanced understanding of specific regions and how they interact with the world. It is essential for Area Studies to evolve and incorporate interdisciplinary approaches to remain relevant and address the challenges of the 21st century.
Alternative Approaches to Studying Regions
Area studies as a discipline has been criticised for its conception, methods, and epistemology, as well as its representation of non-Western societies. In this context, alternative approaches to studying regions have emerged, aiming to provide a more nuanced and holistic understanding of different world regions.
Some of these alternative approaches to area studies include:
| Approach | Description |
| Transnational and Global Studies | These approaches seek to transcend traditional nation-state centred frameworks of analysis and focus on global and transnational flows and linkages, investigating the interconnectivity between regions and societies. |
| Comparative Area Studies | This approach involves the comparison of regions in different historical, social, and political contexts, emphasising the interregional similarities and differences in their respective cultural, social, and political spheres. |
| Critical Area Studies | This approach emphasises the importance of social, political, and economic theory in area studies, examining the power relations underpinning our understanding of regions and providing different means of representation for marginalised and underrepresented groups within and outside of a particular region. |
These alternative approaches have sought to ameliorate the shortcomings of traditional area studies, providing new insights into the complexities of interregional relations and the diverse experiences of societies across the globe.